January 26, 2025 Update! Possible Referendum to approved spending on roads?

BEEP! BEEP! IMPORTANT Monday January 27, 2025 Council Meeting - attend in person or online - Traffic, Traffic and more Traffic! 

Possible Referendum to approved spending on roads?
There is an upcoming by-election, and included is the possibility of a referendum on traffic improvements. No costs or detailed information have been shared with the public at this time.

Our hope is any referendum on traffic improvement will include:

• Demonstrate how traffic congestion would be alleviated.
• Clear timelines for implementation, including land acquisition needs etc.
• Clearly shows total costs, budget etc.
• Comprehensive information to help the public cast an informed vote.

To date no information has been shared with the public on any of these critical points.

Key Information about a Referendum from Sooke Council and included in the Monday evening Council Package:
SEE: By-Election info: Sooke Council Agenda - January 27, 2025 (helpful links below)

"Consideration of Joint By-Election and Assent Vote"
Council has requested staff to provide information on the potential to hold an assent vote alongside the by-election.

Relates to long-term capital borrowing for critical Transportation Master Plan (TMP) projects, which would require a loan authorization bylaw.

Assent of the Electors

A referendum is required to gain assent, governed by the Local Government Act (LGA).
The ballot for the referendum must include a yes/no question, with wording approved by Council.
Alternative Approval Process (AAP)

Instead of a referendum, an AAP (Alternative Approval Process meaning no vote during an election) involves publishing a notice in a local newspaper for two consecutive weeks.
Council would determine the total number of electors within the District.

*Sooke Council Agenda (see links below)*
On Monday, January 27, 2025, the Sooke Council will potentially discuss traffic improvements as part of the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan.

During Council Meeting: Strategic Priority Progress REPORTING Draft here are the snippets relating to traffic from that report:

• Key Traffic Highlights From Strategic Priority Progress Reporting
  Included in the Package for Council Meeting – January 27, 2025

Active Transportation and TMP (Traffic Master Plan) Projects

• Integration of active transportation in TMP designs – ongoing.
• TMP midpoint review scheduled for 2025 (no specific date provided).
• Municipal Land Acquisition Strategy

Key Infrastructure Investments

Evaluation of town core traffic flow – approximately 40% complete.

• Collaboration and Advocacy
  Highway 14 Improvements:
• Bridge expansion.
• Alternative routes.
• Expanded cycling and trail networks.
• Coordination with BC Transit: Updates on service improvements expected by Q2 2025.

• BEEP! BEEP! Community Engagement – BY BC NDP Government!
  Idlemore Public Information Session Hosted by: Ministry of Transportation
  Date: January 29, 2025
  Location: Saseenos Elementary School
  Time: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
  For more information, visit official BC Gov. here:  or a Facebook community link where community weighs in: Sooke Town Facebook

Council Leadership on Traffic Safety and Mobility
SEE: Sooke Council Agenda - January 27, 2025

From their report: Sooke Council continues to advocate for:

• Highway 14 congestion and safety improvements.
• Increased transit services and trail networks.
• Second bridge and expanded infrastructure projects.

We urge the public to stay informed and engaged. Please share.

BEEP! BEEP! Attend the Council Meeting ONLINE!
Date: Monday January 27, 2025
How to View Council Meeting Link: Click here for the meeting link

LINK TO Strategic Priority Progress Reporting

From their report that may or may not be discussed on Monday Night: "The District of Sooke’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan (the Plan) outlines clear, actionable goals within five priority areas. Our progress reporting includes performance indicators for each initiative, with a focus on establishing baseline data where needed to effectively measure progress."

Also See By-Election Planning:

Agenda Link for Monday Night Meeting

Thank you for your continued support and please share!